Terahertz screening apparatus for detection of concealed weapons

Abstract

A system for screening, where a subject walks through a scanning area (for example, between two panels) provides readily deployable detectors for places where such detection may not normally be in use or available—such as public gatherings, voting lines, entrances of stadiums, religious gathering places, banks, and markets. High resolution imaging is achieved through implementation of central feed network elements, left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) and right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) arrays, and terahertz radar, as well as core signal processing at 5 GHz using ultra wideband (UWB) sensors. Terahertz technology provides screening of person borne improvised explosive devices (IED) including classification of explosive. A terahertz system provides high resolution RF imaging through deployment of a walk-in screener that can be unobtrusively or covertly installed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 819,444, filed May 3, 2013, which is incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to radar imaging systems and, more particularly, to security screening of individuals, using ultra wideband radar systems integrated with wafer scale antenna arrays operating at terahertz frequencies for enhanced image resolution.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]An important security issue for protection of individuals in public places—such as public gatherings, voting lines, entrances of stadiums, government agency offices, religious gathering places, banks, markets, airports, schools, and government facilities, for example—is detection of hidden objects, e.g., objects such as weapons or improvised explosive devices (IED) that may be carried by a person and concealed, for example, underneath or within c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a new radar imaging system for security screening individuals in public places. The system uses ultra wideband radar and wafer scale antenna arrays to create an advanced portable imaging technology with automated threat recognition. The system is non-invasive of privacy and can be easily deployed around the entrances of stadiums, government agency offices, banks, voting lines, religious gathering places, markets, public gatherings, and other targets of criminal perpetrators. The system is easy-to-use, with less than 30 minutes installation time, and can detect hidden objects and weapons on a person. The technical effects of the invention include improved image resolution, reduced device size limitations, and automated threat recognition for screening individuals in public places.

Problems solved by technology

An important security issue for protection of individuals in public places—such as public gatherings, voting lines, entrances of stadiums, government agency offices, religious gathering places, banks, markets, airports, schools, and government facilities, for example—is detection of hidden objects, e.g., objects such as weapons or improvised explosive devices (IED) that may be carried by a person and concealed, for example, underneath or within clothing or in luggage or other hand-carried items.

X-ray technology has been used, for example, for airport screening but presents a number of issues, such as cumulative over exposure to radiation for airport and airline personnel and concerns over personal privacy, that have led to a search for other technologies and methods for addressing these security issues.

Conventional terahertz radio frequency (RF) systems for scanning an object have device size limitations (e.g., they are typically far too large) due to their employment of optical-mechanical techniques that require such bulky elements as multiple lens arrangements, mechanical scanners, focal antennas, and choppers to create pulses at such high frequencies.

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